Wells Fargo is hoping to become more visible in the Milwaukee area by sponsoring one of the community’s best-loved theater traditions.

The company will be the presenting sponsor for “A Christmas Carol” this year, replacing longtime sponsor MillerCoors LLC. It is contributing $40,000 to the production.

“We are continually trying to raise the visibility of Wells Fargo in Wisconsin,” said Gina Peter, senior vice president and director of commercial banking in Wisconsin. “We were looking for an opportunity to partner with an organization where there is an opportunity to give back to the community.”

Wells Fargo approached the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, which puts on “A Christmas Carol,” more than a year ago about sponsorship opportunities, said Marina Krejci, director of development at the theater. This year, MillerCoors decided not to renew its sponsorship after at least 15 years of involvement.

“Our track record as one of the largest and best corporate citizens in Milwaukee and Wisconsin speaks for itself, but we can’t do everything,” said Jonathon Stern of MillerCoors.

“We were thrilled that Wells Fargo stepped up and did it,” Krejci said.

The money will go toward general production costs, she said.

Arts and culture are key philanthropic areas for Wells Fargo, Peter said. The company was named the top business donor in the nation for 2012 by Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Peter has tried to raise Wells Fargo’s profile in Wisconsin since taking over the role in 2011 after she spent 30 years with M&I Bank. The bank has increased lending to Wisconsin companies by more than 38 percent over the last 12 months and expects to continue to grow throughout 2013, she said.

The company also is sponsoring the opening day of the Wisconsin State Fair, Aug. 1, offering $2 tickets before 4 p.m. when attendees donate two non-perishable food items to the Hunger Task Force.